One Day in Siena Italy- The Best Things To Do in Siena!

Are you thinking about spending one day in Siena Italy? Wondering what to do in Siena in a day? No need to fear there are lots of things to do in Siena in one day. 

This Siena itinerary will give you a complete plan for the perfect Siena day trip. We will explore some fun things to do in Siena Italy.

Siena is a medieval city located in the heart of Tuscany. If you only have a short amount of time in Tuscany allow one day in Siena, Italy to explore.

Let’s plan a 1 day in Siena itinerary!

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Why Visit Siena Italy? 

What is Special About Siena Italy?

Siena is a medieval town. It really feels like you are walking in the past.  There are lots of museums, art, food choices and shopping available in Siena. 

One thing that brings many people to Siena is the Palio, which is a horse race held two times a year.

If you are lucky and happen to be planning your Siena itinerary during the horse race, you will be set! 

Why is Siena Famous?

Siena is a famous Italian city that most people include in their Tuscany itinerary.  The Palio is a major attraction for sure but Siena has so much more to offer. 

We will explore all the amazing things to do in Siena in this post and you will discover what makes this city so popular and why one day in Siena is the perfect amount of time! 

Is Siena Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, even if you only have one day in Siena it is worth visiting.  The narrow Siena streets and amazing medieval buildings are remarkable. 

The Piazza Del Campo is an experience you do not want to miss out on. Plus, we were in love with the food here.  It is so good!

What is the Best Time to Visit Siena?

Spring and Fall are the best times to visit Siena.  Both seasons have great weather, crowds are lower, and prices are more reasonable for accommodations. 

Summer is very hot and unless you want to attend the Palio it is best to avoid Siena.  

Is Siena Safe?

Yes,  I felt very safe even though there are extremely narrow alleyways all around the city center.  I would follow the rule of don’t walk alone at night and you should be good. 

We didn’t go at night. I was there at high tourist time and felt completely safe.

How Do I Get To Siena Italy?

What is the best way to get to Siena?  Well, you have a few options, and flying into Siena is not one of those options.  There are no airports in Siena.

Siena is located about an hour away from Florence and 3 hours from Rome.  Most people love to make a day trip to Siena from Florence.  Let’s plan the best way to get to Siena.

Rome to Siena

If you are coming from Rome you will want to rent a car or take a private shuttle.  Train and bus options are limited. 

Getting to Siena By Car

We rented a car in Florence and drove to Siena.  Cars are not allowed in the city center you will park outside of the city and walk into Siena’s city walk area.

Getting to Siena By Bus

You can also take a bus to Siena from Florence. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes.   The bus station in Florence is located at the Santa Maria Novella Train Station.

The bus does make a few stops along the way. The cost is around 7-8 Euros.  Once you reach Siena it will be a short walk to enter the city.  

Getting to Siena By Train

There is a direct train from Florence to Siena.  If you do not want to rent a car this is a great option. 

Getting to Siena By Tour or Private Transfer

There are private shuttles directly from Florence Airport if you plan to spend some time in Siena.  You can also book a tour that will hit a few cities in Tuscany.

1. Siena Shopping Trip

We are going to begin your Siena itinerary for your one day in Siena. You can obviously, rearrange and add anything else you would like. This is just to give you an idea of the best things to do in Siena in a day. 

9:00 am – Breakfast and Shopping

(Plan 1-2 hours shopping at the amazing stores) 

Grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes in Siena.  You will not be disappointed.  Once you are full it’s time to shop!

In this Siena itinerary shopping is high on the list of things to do in Siena.

Shopping in Siena

Italy is known for fashion. I got a little excited as I walked into this city!  There are tons of stores! 

What I loved best was that there were so many that we do not have in the US!  This was one of my favorite things in Siena!

You will find these stores on three main streets: Montanini, Banchi di Sopra, and Via di Città. All three of these streets make up Siena’s Corso or high streets. Make sure you find time to do some shopping!

Store in Siena

If you want to spend your one day in Siena shopping here is a list of the best stores in Siena! 

Benetton

This store is located throughout all of Italy but the location in Siena is really cool because it is in a building from the medieval times.  This is store is all about colors.   Bright and bold is how I would describe this store.

Tezenis

I love this store!  I couldn’t resist.  It is a hip store with low prices.  My kind of place.  It probably is ideal for teenagers but I tend to like those styles as well!

Calzedonia

If you are looking for swimsuits in the summer or socks to keep you warm in the winter this is the store to check out.

Dixie

Is a young funky designer from Florence.  You will find something unique and very Italian.

REPLAY

I know that this would not catch my eye because it is a little too expensive for my taste.  It is a denim and jeans store with prices starting at $200 for jeans.

Scout

An Italian store with an American and European touch for adults and kids.  This is probably more my taste.

High-End Stores

High-end shopping is all over Italy and Siena is no exception.  I personally would rather spend all my money on vacations instead of clothes. But if designer products are what you love then you will not be disappointed!

If you have saved up your money you can also buy a handmade pair of Italian shoes in this area.

2. Siena Walking Tours

10:30 am – Walking Tour

(allow 1.5 -2 hours for a historic walking tour)

Take A Tour of Siena

There are many Siena walking tours, I will list a few down below.  If you are interested in learning about the history of Siena then this is a great option. 

Rick Steve’s also has an audio tour you can download and listen to as you walk the streets of Siena.

3. Piazza Del Campo 

12:30 pm – Lunch at the Piazza Del Campo 

(allow 1-2 hours to eat and visit the tourist sites located near Piazza Del Campo)

This is a central plaza where you can “people watch!” It is normally very crowded. This is an area where people just hang out reading or socializing. It really is a neat square in the center of the city!

It is one of the best things to do in Siena and needs to be on your Siena itinerary! 

The Santa Maria Della Scala

The Santa Maria Della Scala is located next to this area. It is the hospital where during the medieval pilgrimage the sick, as well as abandoned children were welcome.  This is a large building and is open to the public.

Torre Del Mangia

Torre Del Mangia is a tower located in this area that you can climb.  Once you reach the top be prepared for the most beautiful view of the city!  There are 400 steps so being in shape is a must!

4. Piazza Del Duomo 

2:00 pm – Piazza Del Duomo

(allow 30 minutes to 1 hour)

Clearly, not to be confused with the Piazza Del Duomo in Florence, Siena has its own church to brag about. 

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption is gorgeous.  The Piazza Del Duomo gives a great view of this beautiful cathedral.  It is a must-see on your one day in Siena. Both inside and out are gorgeous!

Admission

The cathedral is 9 Euros for adults and 3 Euros for children 7-11

There is an OPI pass that allows entrances to all museums in the area as well.  It is about 20 Euros. 

One day in Siena Italy would not be complete without a visit to this cathedral! 

5. Eating in Siena 

5:00 pm – Dinner in Siena

(Allow 1-2 hours to eat.)

Typically dinner doesn’t start till closer to 9:00 pm in Italy but Americans like to eat a little earlier.  Plus, you will need to have enough time to travel back from your 1 day in Siena trip.

Food Recommendations in Siena

We love the Rick Steve’s Italy book.  It was so helpful on our Italy trip especially, when deciding where to eat.

We wanted to eat at a sit-down restaurant and picked one of the places recommended out of the book. 

After getting this recommendation from Rick Steve’s in Siena, I used all of his food recommendations in every city we visited because they were outstanding. 

 La Taverna Di Cecco

We decided to go to La Taverna Di Cecco.  It was located off the beaten path and was relatively small.  We trusted the book and Wow, it was so good!

This was one of our favorite restaurants that we ate at on our entire trip. We loved it so much!  The food was incredible! It was so authentic and so Italian!

I would highly recommend two things.  First, buy Rick Steve’s Book.  Second, eat at La Tavera Di Cecco restaurant when you go to Siena! 

If you have one day in Siena this has got to be on your list! 

Is One Day in Siena Enough?

Is 1 day in Siena enough?  I think you can see all the major tourist sites in one day.  The only thing that would make me want to stay longer is the food. 

The food in Siena is what dreams are made of.  It would be fun to stay longer just to try out more of the restaurants. 

Tours in Tuscany Italy

If you have time on your one day in Siena Italy, I highly recommend booking a tour.  You will learn so much about the city. 

ONE DAY IN SIENA AND SAN GIMIGNANO – PRIVATE TOUR FROM FLORENCE

If you want a private tour to both Siena and San Gimignano this might be a good option.  Transportation and guided tours through museums and historical background through a private tour guide.

The Air balloon ride over Siena is also another great option.

TUSCANY GUIDED TOUR IN A MINIVAN: SIENA, MONTERIGGIONI, SAN GIMIGNANO AND PISA

This is the ultimate Tuscany Day Trip.  A chance to see many amazing towns in Tuscany with a private mini-van and guide.

BEST OF TUSCANY TOUR FROM FLORENCE

All of the tours are from Florence.  This Tour of Tuscany offers a great guided tour of Siena and other great cities in Tuscany.

I hope this helps you plan your one day in Siena!

Are you Ready to Visit Siena Italy in a Day?

I hope your one day in Siena is wonderful! Hopefully, this Siena itinerary helps you plan out your day trip to Siena.  There are many things to do in Siena that will be worthwhile.  Have so much fun!

Tour Italy

If you are going to Italy check out my other Italy posts.  Also, I highly recommend an Italy Travel Guidebook before you plan your trip.